Edible Baja, a collaboration between Edible San Diego, one of the city’s leading gastronomic periodicals and Baja Test Kitchen, an educational culinary tour curator, announced this week that they will host a celebration of Baja California’s women winemakers on Saturday, August 24th. The event will be held at Tecate’s world-famous Rancho La Puerta, just across the border an hour east of San Diego.

Guests will enjoy a full day of gourmet dining, wine tasting and curated culinary workshops at one of the world’s most famous and exclusive wellness spas. Admission includes round-trip transportation from San Diego, assisted border crossing, breakfast buffet, organic garden tour, educational workshops, cooking demonstrations and a multi-course gourmet lunch. Baja California’s women winemakers participating include Lourdes Martinez Ojeda of Bruma Winery, Kris Magnussen of Lechuza Vineyard and Jo Ann Knox Martino of Cava Vintango.

Organic garden at La Cocina Que Canta. Photo: W. Scott Koenig

A Culinary Feast at the Ranch

Meals will be prepared by Chef Denise Roaand her staff at La Cocina Que Canta, Rancho La Puerta’s culinary center and cooking school located on the property’s scenic grounds. Her farm-to-table dishes – typically inspired by a morning walk through the ranch’s 6-acre organic farm – are carefully prepared aesthetic triumphs. Courses are rustic and complex in flavor and crafted of the freshest ingredients that satisfy the body, mind and spirit.

Chef Denise Roa. Photo: Cintia Soto for the book MXCNAS

Chef Roa’s career includes studying culinary arts at the esteemed Johnson & Wales University in Miami and acting as executive chef at some of San Diego’s most well-respected restaurants. Her recipes have been featured in national magazines and on San Diego TV stations as well as other media outlets. Roa is also an instructor at the renowned Culinary Art School in Tijuana.

Showcasing Baja California’s Culinary Bounty

“We are excited to partner with chef Roa to showcase some of Baja California’s best organic gourmet food paired with a selection of premium wines from the Valle de Guadalupe,” says Jennifer Kramer of Baja Test Kitchen. “This is a unique opportunity to celebrate Baja California’s women winemakers, learn about their craft and taste the literal fruits of their labor.”

Lourdes Martinez Ojeda, Bruma Winery.

Event Itinerary:

8:00-8:15am: Bus pickup at San Diego Visitor’s Center at East Mission Bay

4:00-5:30pm: Return trip to San Diego Visitor’s Center at East Mission Bay

“Edible San Diego and Baja Test Kitchen invite you to make time for a special occasion. It’s a unique opportunity to slow down and savor a daylong treat in the company of like-minded culinary explorers,” says Katie Stokes, Edible San Diego’s publisher.

Edible Baja Culinary Events

Celebrating Baja California’s Women Winemakers is Edible Baja’s second presentation highlighting the cuisine of Baja California. Edible Baja hosted a dinner and educational event in July with Tijuana celebrity chef Javier Plascenciaand sustainable seafood champion chef Rob Ruiz at Carlsbad’s Land & Water Company. The sold-out event featured a six-course meal prepared and interpreted by the two chefs.

Equally exciting culinary events and tasting expeditions will be added monthly throughout the summer and fall. Those interested in attending future events are encouraged to sign-up at www.ediblebaja.com for event announcements and access to advance ticket sales.

Book early to confirm your participation. Events are reserved and confirmed on a first-paid basis and often sell-out well in advance. This culinary event can accommodate vegetarians or vegans with advanced notice. All Edible Baja events are 100% non-smoking/non-vaping. Must be 18+ years old to participate.

Disclaimer:A Gringo in Mexico is partnering with Edible Baja and received a complementary ticket to the event in exchange for promotional consideration. Discover Baja Travel Club, the sister company of Baja Test Kitchen, is also a sponsor of A Gringo in Mexico. No other compensation was received for this article and all opinions remain our own.

About A Gringo in Mexico

San Diego-based lifestyle writer W. Scott Koenig is founder of the blog AGringoInMexico.com, author of the book 7 Days in The Valle: Baja California’s Wine Country Cuisine and writes columns for online and print media. Scott is the Food Expert for Baja California at XtremeFoodies.tv, an international culinary site curated by over 275 experts.